This Easy Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta is a quick and tasty meal! With fresh cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a sprinkle of cheese, it’s bursting with flavor.
You won’t believe how simple it is! Just cook the pasta, toss it with the tomatoes and basil, and enjoy a lovely plate of goodness in no time. Perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using pasta shells for a fun texture that holds the sauce well. However, any pasta works—try spaghetti, penne, or fusilli if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times as needed!
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes are key for their sweetness. If they’re out of season, consider using canned diced tomatoes as a substitute. Just drain them well before adding!
Basil: Fresh basil gives a lovely aroma and flavor. If you can’t find it, dried basil can work, but use only about a third of the amount since it’s more concentrated. I always love the fresh option the best!
Fresh Mozzarella: If you can’t find mozzarella balls, try crumbled feta or even some ricotta for a great creamy texture. You could also skip the cheese for a lighter dish.
How Do I Cook the Pasta Right?
Cooking pasta perfectly is essential for great results. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use a large pot of water—about 5-6 quarts for every pound of pasta. This prevents sticking.
- Salt the water generously. It should taste like the sea! This adds flavor to your pasta.
- Cook until al dente, which means it should be soft but still have a firm bite. Check 1-2 minutes before the package time for doneness.
- Don’t rinse your pasta after draining. It washes away the starch that helps the sauce cling!
Perfect pasta makes all the difference in this dish!
Easy Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (about 225g) pasta shells or your choice of pasta
- 1 pint (about 300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 10 minutes cooking everything together. A quick and tasty meal option for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente, which means it’s cooked but still has a firm bite. When it’s done, drain the pasta, making sure to save about 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside for now.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute. You want it to be fragrant, just be careful not to let it burn!
3. Cook the Tomatoes:
Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the tomatoes to soften and release their delicious juices.
4. Add Basil and Seasoning:
Now it’s time to stir in the freshly chopped basil and red pepper flakes. Season everything with salt and black pepper to taste. The aroma will be amazing!
5. Combine Pasta and Tomato Mixture:
Once your tomatoes are cooked, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything gently to combine, adding the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if you need to loosen up the sauce a bit.
6. Fold in the Mozzarella:
Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the fresh mozzarella balls. They’ll get a bit melty from the warm pasta, which is wonderful!
7. Drizzle and Serve:
For the final touch, drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Give it one last gentle toss to combine everything.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your cherry tomato and basil pasta immediately! You can garnish with extra basil or red pepper flakes if you’d like. Enjoy this fresh and delicious meal!
FAQ for Easy Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for pasta shells, feel free to use your favorite type, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose!
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use dried basil in a pinch. Use about one-third of the amount since it’s more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh parsley or spinach can also add a nice flavor, though they will change the taste a bit.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil to bring back the sauce’s consistency. You can also microwave them, stirring occasionally for even heating!
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! To make this dish vegan, simply omit the cheese or replace it with a vegan mozzarella option. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy!
